Lemon is a popular fruit that is grown in many parts of the world. In India, lemon farming is common because lemons grow well in warm climates. They are used for cooking and making drinks and for their juice. If planted and farmed well, lemon farming can be a good business.
You can read the simple guide below to know about how to grow lemons, from preparing the soil to harvesting the fruit.
Steps to Grow Lemons:
Various steps are there in lemon farming. To grow high-quality lemons, one should follow all the steps mentioned below. Otherwise, they will not be able to grow lemons properly.
Choosing the Right Place to Grow Lemon
Lemons need a place that is warm and sunny. The ideal temperatures for lemon growth are between 20°C and 30°C. They do not like very cold weather or too much rain. If the temperature drops below 10°C, the lemon plant can get damaged.
Preparing the Soil
Lemon trees require soils that contain nutrients that provide the plant with the required nutrients. It is also crucial to note that soil preparation comes before planting. First, you need to prepare the land by ploughing the soil. This makes it easier for the roots to develop.
Ensure that the organic content of the soil is at a level of 5. 5 and 7. 5. This can be done by using a simple kit for testing the soil.
For those farmers who use tractors to plough their fields, good tractor tyres are vital so that the job is well done. MRF tractor tyres are popular among farmers due to their durability and smooth handling on different types of soil.
Choosing Lemon Varieties
Lemons come in different varieties, and some of them are suitable for farming. In India, popular lemon varieties include:
Kagzi Lime: This is the most commonly cultivated type of lemon in India. It is small and round in shape and has a thin skin.
Rangpur Lime: This lemon has a concentrated/strong taste, and it is used to prepare juice from it.
Assam Lemon: This type of lemon is larger and contains more juice than other types of lemons.
In choosing the right variety, you have to take into consideration your area and the market needs.
Planting the Lemon Tree
Lemons are typically grown in the spring season. Lemon trees can be grown from seeds, or you can purchase young plants from a nursery. Young trees are preferred because they establish well and start bearing fruits earlier as compared to mature trees.
To plant the tree, one must dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball of the plant. Put the tree in the hole and put soil over the roots. It is important to ensure that the root of the tree is buried with the same depth as it was before being taken to the nursery. After planting ensure you water the tree well.
Watering
One must water the lemon trees often especially when they are still young. Specifically, during the first two years its watering should be done once a week. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not soaked throughout the germination process. You can reduce the amount of water being given to the tree once it grows into a mature tree. Irrigation is necessary during summer since the temperatures are high and evaporation rates are high.
Fertilizing
Lemon trees need nutrients to grow healthy and produce good fruit. So provide fertilizers to plants. You may prefer to use organic fertilizer such as compost, cow dung or green manure. One can use chemical fertilizers such as nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers. Apply the fertilizer right around the tree but do not touch its trunk. After applying the fertilizer, now water the tree so that those nutrients can be absorbed by the roots.
Protecting from Pests and Diseases
The common pests that affect lemon trees are aphids, citrus mites as well as leaf miners. You can control these pests by spraying the tree with organic solutions such as neem oil or by using chemical pesticides. The root rot occurs when the soil around the plant is too damp; therefore, the soil should drain well.
Harvesting Time
Lemons take 3 to 4 years to mature and be ready for harvesting after planting the tree. When ripe, the fruit becomes yellow or greenish-yellow. It is important not to delay the harvesting process as over mature fruits like lemons can easily drop off. To harvest, remove the lemon from the tree using a scissor or pruning sheers to avoid bruising the fruit. Ensure that you do not crush the fruit or harm the tree in any way when harvesting.
Storage and Selling Lemons
The lemons should be harvested when fully ripened, and once harvested they can be preserved for a few weeks in a cool dry place. They can also be kept in the refrigerator and can last longer than the recommended shelf life.
Lemons are in high demand in the market, especially during the summer months. One can sell the harvested lemons in local markets or the companies that make lemon juice and other related products.
For farmers transporting lemons to markets, using a tractor with the right tyres is important. MRF tractor tyres are a popular choice because they are strong and durable. You can check the MRF Tractor Tyre Price to make sure you get a good deal when buying tyres for your tractor.
The Final Words:
Lemon farming is a rewarding business if you take care of the trees and follow the right steps. With the right location, proper watering, and protection from pests, you can grow healthy lemon trees and enjoy a good harvest of these fruits. If you are thinking about starting a lemon farm, follow this simple guide to get started.